Christmas begins for Salvation Army in Orangeburg Bamberg Calhoun counties; help sought for season

Ongoing programs include the Angel Tree Christmas campaign; the Red Kettle campaign, which begins Nov. 14; and the acceptance of donations of new, unwrapped toys.

Everything from Barbie dolls to remote-controlled cars, along with bicycles, are on children’s Christmas lists this year.

The Salvation Army was formerly under the leadership of Captains Nic and Emily Arroqui, who relocated in June 2023.

Marie S. Harrison is the new director of the local office, which has also relocated from its former site at 813 Nottingham St. to 265 Stonewall Jackson Blvd. across from the Walmart Neighborhood Market. The office serves Orangeburg, Calhoun and Bamberg counties.

Registration for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Christmas campaign officially ends Thursday, Oct. 31, but individuals can register at the office at 265 Stonewall Jackson Blvd. through Thursday, Nov. 7.

“I will never deny any child from getting a toy for Christmas. If I receive parents Nov. 7, I will definitely register them as long as they have children 12 and under in the home,” Harrison said.

Under the Angel Tree program, the first names of children, along with their ages and clothing sizes, are placed on trees throughout the area.

Children up to age 12 in Orangeburg, Bamberg and Calhoun counties are served through the Angel Tree program.

Individuals can call the Salvation Army office at 803-534-6806 to adopt an angel. They can also email Harrison at marie.s.harrison@uss.salvationarmy.org.

Harrison said some businesses adopt angels and have their employees buy items for them and bring them back to the business. The Salvation Army stands ready to pick up items from businesses as necessary.

“In fact, if my truck driver’s busy, I will go by and pick them up myself. We will definitely get those toys here,” she said.

Individuals can also make a monetary donation for Santa’s helpers to shop for toys and clothes and help with a child’s specific needs.

“We try to give them at least something that they need and at least a toy or something that they want,” she said.

Donations can be made payable to The Salvation Army and mailed to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 958, Orangeburg, SC 29115. They can also be brought to the local office at 265 Stonewall Jackson Blvd.

All angels are expected to be turned into the Salvation Army office by Dec. 13. Angels will be prepared for distribution by Dec. 20.

Harrison said no gift will be turned away. If an individual cannot make the deadline but still has something to contribute, they can bring it by the office unwrapped for distribution to a child in need, she said.

The Salvation Army’s hallmark Red Kettle campaign is gearing up to begin Nov. 14. Volunteers are needed to make it a success.

“We need bell ringers out there ringing that bell. We have customers and clients that are used to seeing that red kettle out there. Sometimes that’s usually the only time they get to give to the Salvation Army. We have set sites for that,” Harrison said.

She noted more than 200 families were served last year, including 500 angels.

Harrison said individuals and businesses can sponsor a kettle for various reasons, including in memory or in honor of someone.

In addition to volunteers, the Salvation Army also hires people to ring bells during the season, with applications available at the Salvation Army office.

The Salvation Army is also accepting donated unused toys.

If someone needs a box for their business, they can contact the office. Businesses can get boxes delivered to them, or the Salvation Army can make arrangements to have boxes picked up, Harrison said.

The Salvation Army is requesting new and unwrapped toys, with any used toys to be sent to the Salvation Army’s Family Store. Harrison said they can also be brought to the local office and she’ll then take them to the Family Store.

The Salvation Army also has a need for canned goods to restock its pantry.

She said canned goods and other nonperishable items can be dropped off at the local office, where a deep freezer and refrigerator are located to store cold items.

The local office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“If there’s a need for me to come on Saturday, individuals can call and let me know,” Harrison said.

“I can meet them here at the local office on Saturday, but the Family Store is always open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. If they drop them off at the store, they’ll bring them over to the office,” she said.

Pop-top cans are preferred, but they are not mandatory.

Participating in the Christmas-giving campaigns is not just work for Harrison.

“It’s the gratitude I get in giving back to the underserved. I enjoy seeing the look on their faces when they come to you and they’re hungry, or if they need some clothing, or just need something to eat for that day. That’s my ministry in giving back, and I love what I do,” she said.

For more information on how you can help the Salvation Army, call the office at 803-534-6805, stop by the Orangeburg site at 265 Stonewall Jackson Blvd. or email Harrison at marie.s.harrison@uss.salvationarmy.gov.